Fakuma preview Fakuma 2024 stands for efficiency in plastics

Related Vendors

P. E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

Efficiency is an elastic term. When it comes to plastics processing, however, trade fair organizer P. E. Schall wants to be specific from 15 to 19 October.

In principle, efficiency on several levels is the motto of Fakuma 2024 in Friedrichshafen. This will be the 29th edition of the trade fair for plastics processing in the three-country corner near Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance.

What runs through the plastics processing industry like a red (nylon) thread are the aspects of greater material efficiency and a reduction in energy requirements with the same level of productivity. And in view of the shortage of skilled workers, more automation and easier machine operation are also required, as the report continues. Not forgetting the closed-loop economy for plastic products, including recycling or high-quality recyclates from old materials in order to save fossil raw materials. According to experts, reconciling all of this can only work with the massive use of digital tools. According to the organizer, the trade fair wants to push developments in this regard. This includes, for example, designing plastic products holistically to make them recyclable. The buzzword here is circular economy, as experts are certain that the linear value chain has been important for the longest time. Plastics are indispensable if we are to achieve the climate targets we once set ourselves. The material cycle of polymers must therefore be closed as quickly as possible, recycling increased and the use of recyclates intensified. Practical answers to these questions will therefore be presented, discussed and further developed by the plastics community live at Fakuma.

Is digitalization helping plastics manufacturers?

Experts in Friedrichshafen also want to discuss this question in a panel discussion. And if so, which tools are the right ones for this? After all, experts say that digitalization can often be found in the everyday lives of plastics processors. Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a major role here - for example in data analysis and simulations, production or process optimization. If you have digitalized your company from start to finish, you can enjoy full transparency over production and material cycles. The experts taking part in the discussion include Prof. Dr. Braungart from Braungart EPEA, Philip Lehner from the Alpla Group, Guido Frohnhaus from Arburg, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Josef Endres from the Institute for Plastics and Recycling Technology in Hanover and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Seul from Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. The top-class panel will take place on October 15 at 4 p.m. in the Conference Center East, around room Berlin, according to the information. The event is scheduled to last one hour and will be followed by a get-together.

Further delicacies for the plastics event

P. E. Schall is also opening the stage to newcomers, which will take place as part of the Start-up Arena 2024. This will give smart young companies the opportunity to present themselves in the technology region, which in turn will please the established experts when they are made aware of new ideas. The 18th day of the trade fair will also focus on careers. It is aimed at school pupils, students and career starters who want to get an idea of the industry. "Mold your dreams, mold your future" is the slogan. You can register for the event at www.schall-registrierung.de. So it will soon be "trade fairs for markets" again, as the organizer concludes. (pk)